Average Rating: 
Rating: - An outright masterpiece becomes a MUST-HAVE DVD!
Hats off to Warner Home Video for this glistening, beautiful DVD edition of Blake Edwards' magnificent VICTOR/VICTORIA. It's hard to believe that this film is 20 years old, because its humor and excellece are fresh as ever. It is a testament to the wondrous talents of Julie Andrews, Robert Preston, James Garner and Lesley Ann Warren.This DVD hits the bullseye with a stunning film-to-video transfer that captures the look of the film with exceptional accuracy. The 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack is crisp and an exact reproduction of the original theatrical experience. The best thing about this release is the wonderful commentary by Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards. One of the most personal and heartwarming I've ever heard on a DVD. I'm thrilled with this disc, and I can't wait 'til tomorrow when I can purchase the new expanded CD soundtrack album. When I can't watch the movie, I'll want to keep listening to those great songs. Bravo Warner! Bravo Julie! (or should I say 'Brava'?)
Rating: - Julie, Robert, you look marvelous!
"People will see what they want to see," a conspiratorial Robert Preston tells double-cross-dresser Julie Andrews in "Victor/Victoria." Indeed, the many admirers of Blake Edwards' 1982 musical will want to see this DVD to relive all the fun from the best seats in their house. Part of a quartet of Edwards comedies just released on DVD, "Victor's" charms include handsome colors, slinky sound and a feel-good commentary from Edwards and Andrews, his wife and star. Edwards ("The Pink Panther," "10") speaks with great pride of "Victor/Victoria" as his favorite Blake Edwards movie. "It's as good as I can do," the director says softly. "A well-made film in all departments. ... It was just perfect." Warner wisely has released "Victor/Victoria" in widescreen only, working with a new transfer and a soundtrack remastered in Dolby Digital. Rhino and Turner Classic Movies get into the act with a new soundtrack CD featuring 11 previously unreleased Henry Mancini tracks. The DVD has minor speckling throughout. Colors are especially vibrant during Andrews' musical numbers, with the stage bathed in randy rouges or sparkling blues. Cinematographer Dick Bush's warm color scheme for Paris of the early 1930s looks great, with subterranean blacks providing plenty of contrast for the browns, amber yellows, pinks and off-whites. Bush ("Sorcerer") had a fine eye for widescreen composition, and his is work displayed to full effect here. Edwards and Andrew's talk should be required listening for those who belittle Hollywood marriages. The commentary is truly heartwarming -- filled with affection, wit, insight and appreciation for their friends and collaborators. It's as though you're watching a film with the couple in their living room, and when it's over you wish for a double feature.
Rating: - Sheer delight
For my money this is Blake Edwards' most enjoyable movie. I've viewed it perhaps a dozen times, and its combination of a peerless cast, fine songs, supremely witty script and sure-footed direction make this a real gem that I will never tire of watching.Robert Preston (in a role originally intended for Peter Sellers) practically steals the show as Toddy, a gay nightclub perfomer in 1930s Paris. Preston's vitality and charisma make the character of Toddy so warm, humorous and believable that he feels like an old friend by the end of the movie. What a shame Preston made so few films! (We do, however, have his memorable aoppearance in SOB - another Edwards triumph - to be grateful for.) Julie Andrews is perfectly cast, with her distinctive voice and seemingly ageless face and figure all contributing to a convincing portrayal of a supposed female impersonator. The rapport between her and Preston is a joy to behold, and one can only applaud their classy professionalism. The rest of the cast is top-notch, and the film reunites Julie Andrews with James Garner 18 years after their first movie together, the 1964 Americanization of Emily. Garner shows a fine comic touch - as always - and Lesley Ann Warren is inimitable as his supremely irritating ex-girlfriend. The film positively overflows with 1930s Parisian atmosphere and sophistication. In short, Victor/Victoria is a real treat that offers a little something for everybody. Essential viewing.
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